Eighth annual Miss Virtua Pageant names a winner at Berlin
Virtua Health crowned
Rosemarie Iaconelli as the new Miss Virtua Health and Rehabilitation Center (VHRC) pageant winner in the eighth installment of the popular event.
"Of all the programs we do here at Virtua Berlin, this is one of the most enjoyable," said
Kathy Schnurr, director of recreation therapy at the VHRC. "These women love life, actively participate in it and are here today to show that spirit."
Spectators cheered as the 30 women were escorted down the red carpet by family and members of the Winslow Township Junior ROTC from Winslow High School in Atco, N.J. Each received a sash adorned with attributes like "Most Agreeable" and "Most Fun-Loving." Past pageant winners also cheered them on. Staff spent much of the day preparing hair and makeup so the women could look their best, as well as decorating the cafeteria.
During the talent competition, the three finalists sang songs and recited a prayer. The panel of judges awarded points for presentation, talent and a "Life Question," which gave the finalists a chance to share a personal story.
Iaconelli sang "You are my Sunshine" and told a story about a rainstorm the day before her wedding 56 years ago. Worried it would rain on her special day, she prayed for sun. "The next morning the sun was shining in my eyes and I've been happy ever since," she told the judges.
In addition to crowning Miss VHRC, the staff also awarded the "Song in your Heart" award to semi-finalist
Mary Peszek, a Phillies fan who sang "Take Me out to the Ballgame." The award is given in memory of
Sam Boyes, a former resident who displayed a positive, upbeat attitude during his stay at the VHRC.
Located on the Berlin campus, the Voorhees Health and Rehabilitation Center has 128 beds and provides nursing home care, long-term care, subacute medical care, rehabilitation programs, respite care, palliative care and safety units for patients whose conditions impair decision-making abilities, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. VHRC's board certified physicians and skilled team of professionals, including physical, occupational, and speech therapists, work together to offer patients individualized care.
As one of New Jersey’s largest health systems, Virtua helps people be well, get well and stay well through a comprehensive range of health care services. Services are delivered through three health and wellness centers, three fitness centers, four acute care hospitals, primary and specialty physician practices with more than 240 physicians, urgent care centers, seven ambulatory surgery centers, home health services, two long-term care and rehabilitation centers, 12 paramedic units and a wide range of outpatient services. A leader in maternal and child health services, Virtua delivers almost 8,000 babies a year. Virtua also provides employment and wellness services to 1,700 businesses and corporations. An innovator in clinical and information technology such as electronic medical records, Virtua is recognized for its ground-breaking partnerships with
GE Healthcare,
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the
Fox Chase Cancer Center. It is the official orthopedic provider for the
Philadelphia Flyers. Virtua employs more than 8,400 people and has been honored as the #1 Best Place to Work in the Delaware Valley for seven consecutive years. It is the recipient of the Consumer Choice Award from the National Research Corporation. For more information, visit
www.virtua.org or
www.virtuabroadcastnetwork.org.